Is Freya a Good Guy in God of War? A Deep Dive into Morality in Midgard

Figuring out if Freya is a “good guy” in the God of War universe is more complex than battling a Valkyrie. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Throughout the series, Freya’s alignment shifts dramatically, driven by grief, love, and a desperate need for control over her own fate. Initially, she appears as a benevolent, if somewhat mysterious, ally to Kratos and Atreus. However, the events surrounding her son Baldur’s death trigger a descent into vengeance, positioning her as a formidable antagonist. Ultimately, she finds a path toward reconciliation and cooperation, suggesting a capacity for good, but one forever tainted by her past actions. Freya is, therefore, a complex character, a reflection of the messy morality that defines the world of God of War, making her neither wholly good nor inherently evil.

Freya’s Shifting Allegiances: A Timeline

Understanding Freya’s moral ambiguity requires tracing her journey through the God of War narrative:

• God of War (2018): Introduced as a helpful witch in the woods, Freya aids Kratos and Atreus, using her knowledge of Norse magic and lore. She displays genuine empathy and a desire to help them on their quest, making her a clear ally.
• The Death of Baldur: This is the turning point. When Baldur threatens Freya’s life, Kratos intervenes, killing Baldur to prevent further bloodshed and to break the cycle of familial violence. Freya, though initially grateful, is ultimately consumed by grief and vows revenge on Kratos.
• God of War Ragnarök: Freya begins as a primary antagonist, driven by her vow of vengeance. She relentlessly pursues Kratos and Atreus, fueled by her immense grief and rage. She ambushes them and attempts to fulfill her oath.
• The Path to Reconciliation: Over time, Freya witnesses Kratos’ continued attempts to prevent Ragnarök and his growth as a father. Slowly, she begins to see beyond her own pain and recognize the greater threat posed by Odin.
• Alliance and Redemption: Eventually, Freya chooses to join forces with Kratos and Atreus, recognizing that their combined strength is necessary to defeat Odin and protect the realms. She uses her immense power and knowledge to aid in the final battle. She begins to heal and becomes a valued member of Kratos’ circle.
• Post Ragnarok: In the aftermath, Freya travels with Kratos and begins to rebuild the realms.

The Gray Morality of God of War

The God of War series, particularly the Norse saga, deliberately avoids simplistic notions of good and evil. Characters are often driven by understandable motivations, even when their actions are morally questionable. Freya exemplifies this. Her initial desire to protect her son is understandable, even if her methods of doing so were extreme. Similarly, her grief and desire for vengeance, while destructive, are human (or rather, god-like) responses to profound loss.

Kratos himself is far from a paragon of virtue, carrying the weight of his past sins and the consequences of his violent actions. This shared history of flawed characters, and the exploration of their motivations, is a key strength of the God of War narrative.

Examining Freya’s Actions

To determine Freya’s alignment, let’s examine her actions in more detail:

• Protecting Baldur: Her attempts to shield Baldur from harm, including cursing him with immortality that rendered him unable to feel physical sensations, stemmed from a place of love and fear. However, this curse ultimately caused Baldur immense suffering, contributing to his anger and destructive tendencies.
• Seeking Vengeance: Freya’s pursuit of vengeance against Kratos was undeniably driven by grief, but it also involved numerous attempts to harm or kill him and Atreus. These actions clearly place her in an antagonistic role.
• Helping the Realms: Later, her decision to fight alongside Kratos and Atreus demonstrates a willingness to put aside her personal vendetta for the greater good. This act of selflessness suggests a capacity for redemption.

The Verdict: A Complex Moral Landscape

Freya’s character arc is a testament to the complex moral landscape of God of War. She is not simply a “good guy” or a “bad guy,” but rather a multifaceted character who makes choices shaped by her experiences, her relationships, and her desire for survival. Her journey underscores the game’s themes of grief, forgiveness, and the possibility of change, even for those who have committed terrible acts. Exploring these themes and developing your critical thinking skills can be enhanced by engaging with resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society, which studies the educational and social impact of games. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Freya

1. Does Freya betray Kratos?

Initially, Freya does seek vengeance against Kratos for killing Baldur, which could be seen as a betrayal of their earlier alliance. However, she ultimately puts aside her personal vendetta and joins forces with him against Odin, demonstrating a shift in her priorities.

2. Why is Freya mad at Kratos in God of War Ragnarök?

Freya is enraged at Kratos because she believes he killed Baldur out of malice, not understanding that Kratos did it to end Baldur’s suffering and to protect Freya herself.

3. Does Freya forgive Kratos?

Yes, Freya eventually “forgives” Kratos. It’s not a simple act of absolution, but rather a decision to move forward, let go of her hatred, and work together for the greater good.

4. Why is Freya so obsessed with Baldur?

Freya’s obsession with Baldur stems from her immense love for her son and her desire to protect him from the prophecy that foretold his death. She was willing to do anything to ensure his survival, even at the cost of his happiness.

5. Is Freya an ally in God of War Ragnarök?

Initially, no. She starts as an antagonist but eventually becomes a crucial ally in the fight against Odin.

6. What does Freya want with Kratos?

At first, Freya wants revenge on Kratos for killing Baldur. Later, she wants to work with him to defeat Odin and protect the realms.

7. Does Freya hate Kratos for killing Baldur?

Yes, initially, Freya harbors intense hatred for Kratos. This hatred drives her actions at the beginning of God of War Ragnarök.

8. Does Freya replace Atreus?

No, Freya does not replace Atreus. While she becomes Kratos’ companion after Atreus leaves, their relationship is different, filling a different narrative role.

9. What is Freya to Thor?

According to Marvel comics, Freyja is Thor’s step-mother and Queen of the Asgardians.

10. Is Freya good or bad in God of War Ragnarök?

Freya is neither purely good nor purely bad in God of War Ragnarök. She begins as an antagonist consumed by grief and vengeance but evolves into an ally who fights for the greater good.

11. Who is the bad guy in God of War Ragnarök?

Odin is the primary antagonist and considered the “bad guy” in God of War Ragnarök. He is portrayed as cunning, cruel, and ruthless.

12. Why did Freya turn on Kratos?

Freya turned on Kratos because she blamed him for Baldur’s death, believing he acted out of malice rather than compassion.

13. What did Baldur want from Kratos?

Initially, it seems Baldur wants to fight Kratos as a mysterious stranger. Eventually, it is revealed he was seeking Faye, Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother.

14. Does Atreus help Odin?

Atreus does help Odin in his search for the missing pieces of the mask. He believes that by manipulating Odin and doing what he wants, he can stop the prophecy from coming true.

15. Should I take Freya or Atreus?

Freya and Atreus each have their own strengths. Freya’s abilities might outmatch Atreus in combat. But, Atreus is great, as well.